9 Top Picks for Backend Technologies from an Expert Dev

Java, server-side, PHP, Ruby – do they ring any bell? If yes, the concept of backend technologies is probably not unfamiliar to you. They are the backbone of your website or web app, the behind-the-scene stuff that makes sure your digital platform is functioning as per users’ requests and queries.

Today, there is a myriad of tools and technologies available for backend development, such as backend frameworks, databases, programming languages, and so on. Each technology, however, has specific benefits that need to perfectly match your project objectives.

If you are new in this field, wrapping your head around these ideas is by no means an easy task, and that is just the tip of the iceberg! While objectively choosing the best backend languages in such a dynamically changing industry can be difficult, a subjective list, however, should not be much of a problem.

And that is why we decided to take our shot. We are not fortune tellers, so instead of using a crystal ball, we are going to reflect on our development experience so that you can navigate your way through the best backend technologies in your next project.

Sit back, relax, read the rest of the blog, and enlighten yourself!

#1 Choice of Backend Technologies: Python

Starting with Python – a general purpose and dynamically interpreted programming language that has been gaining huge momentum in the development world. Due to its flexibility and versatile functionality, Python can unleash its full power as a web development stack in machine learning, AI, scientific research, and other emerging fields.

According to TIOBE Index, Python has seen the highest growth in popularity (+1.86%) in a single year. Hence, while comparing Python vs Java, Python remains at the top in popularity.

Why is Python Useful?

• It is one of the best back end programming languages for its simplicity. Python is as readable as it can get, making it an ideal technology for newbie developers.
• There is a plethora of libraries and frameworks supporting Python. As a result, you do not have to write everything from scratch.
• As a platform-independent and portable language, Python can execute the same codebase on Linux, Unix, Windows, etc., without any adaptations.

Who Uses Python?

• Nasa
• Spotify
• Google
• Instagram
• Amazon

#2 Choice of Backend Technologies: JavaScript

This programming language is particularly unique for its usefulness in both frontend and backend development. Such capabilities have made JavaScript a well-recognized language over the years that offers superior interoperability, seamless third-party integration with multiple resources, dynamic interfaces, and so on.

According to Stack Overflow, 70% of web developers use JavaScript as their primary coding language.

Why is JavaScript Useful?

• As you can run the basic functionalities directly on the client-side, it reduces the load on backend technologies and processing requests.
• The best feature of JavaScript is that it supports asynchronous processing. Developers can process multiple coding blocks at the same time and increase code efficiency.
• JavaScript comes with dynamic data types. Since they are not predefined, adhering to code quality and coding standards gets easier. It also helps you improve code efficiency and save memory space.

Who Uses JavaScript?

• eBay
• Uber
• PayPal
• Netflix
• Microsoft

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#3 Choice of Backend Technologies: C#

Next in our list of best backend technologies is C# (pronounced as C-Sharp), which Microsoft initially released with the .NET framework as a closed-source programming language. It inevitably became free and open-source, and since then, it has been greatly useful in gaming app development, Windows development, cloud-based services, enterprise software development, etc.

Why is C# Useful?

• As one of the most popular backend languages, C# has an active and thriving developer community that helps with the future development of it and its frameworks.
• In terms of code design, it offers efficient interoperability via multiple platforms as more scalable compared to other languages.
• It is a high-level coding technology that developers find efficient and easy to code. It is also a lot easier to debug C# code.

Who Uses C#?

• Stack Overflow
• GoDaddy
• LinkedIn
• Evernote
• Nasa

#4 Choice of Backend Technologies: Java

The greatest advantage of Java backend development is making the code run seamlessly in different environments like Linux, macOS, Windows, etc. The best use case of Java, as one of the oldest programming languages, is enterprise application development. Fintech solutions, and embedded systems. And since it is object-oriented, you can easily create reusable code and modular programs.

According to Oracle studies, Java is the no. 1 language for DevOps, microservices, AI, VR, Big Data, Mobile Chatbots, and Social.

Why is Java Useful?

• Java backend developers cherish this language for its simplicity of implementation and intuitiveness of usage.
• High-end security is another big advantage of Java. You can create secure deployed apps by utilizing public encryption elements used primarily for authentication.
• It is a multi-threaded language, meaning it can write and execute a number of tasks at the same time.

Who Uses Java?

• Airbnb
• Pinterest
• Amazon
• Google
• Netflix

#5 Choice of Backend Technologies: Kotlin

Kotlin is the officially recommended programming language for Android development, as 60% of professional Android developers use it as their go-to language. It is a general-purpose, statically-typed backend technology that fully supports Java. Additionally, developers can run Kotlin applications on the JVM (Java Virtual Machine). Kotlin and Java both share a lot of similarities but also have some notable differences. Compared to other languages, Kotlin is more concise, readable, straightforward, and less prone to bugs.

Why is Kotlin Useful?

• Kotlin is a powerful web development stack that enables developers to add extensions to classes without any source code modification.
• It offers Java interoperability. In simple words, apart from all the Java functionalities, you can use additional functionalities of Kotlin as well.
• As one of the most used backend languages, Kotlin allows you to use less computational resources compared to other languages.

Who Uses Kotlin?

• Slack
• Trello
• Atlassian
• Uber
• Coursera

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#6 Choice of Backend Technologies: PHP

There is no doubt about the effectiveness of PHP development services as it has consistently remained a popular language since 1997. HTML codes are the building block of this backend programming language, and hence, it is a perfect choice for handling dynamic content, databases, and eCommerce sites. It is also very simple and straightforward to use, leading to a shorter learning curve for developers.

78.9% of all websites run on PHP backend technologies. In other words, every 8 out of 10 websites you visit is utilizing this programming language in some way or other.

Why is PHP Useful?

• PHP is amazingly flexible. You can use it with modern JavaScript frameworks, Python, and HTML without any complications.
• It is one of the optimized scripting languages with well-organized and logical syntax. As a result, developers find it easy to create and optimize applications.
• Apart from being a cost-efficient and developer-friendly programming language, PHP also offers easy integration and compatibility features.

Who Uses PHP?

• WordPress
• Tumblr
• Wikipedia
• Etsy
• MailChimp

#7 Choice of Backend Technologies: Node.js

Although Node.js is not a programming language, we thought leaving it out of our list of backend technologies would be a sin. Why? Because Node.js is a JavaScript-based solution and hence allows you to leverage all the benefits of that language. This runtime environment also enables you to create high-performance applications and scale them vertically or horizontally.

So, if you want to kick off a large-scale software project with dynamic functionalities, you should opt for Node.js development services.

Why is Node.js Useful?

• You can use it as a single programming language for both backend and frontend development. The deployment process also becomes simpler due to JavaScript support.
• Node.js uses Google’s V8 engine to interpret JavaScript code which results in faster code execution and seamless application performance.
• This framework has an active and robust community to support development needs, including cutting-edge tools and extensive documentation.

Who Uses Node.js?

• Medium
• Trello
• Twitter
• Walmart
• Yahoo

#8 Choice of Backend Technologies: Ruby

Ruby is a multi-paradigm technology that has been around since 1993 and serves both as a functional programming and object-oriented programming language. If you hire web developers, they are likely to adore it for its enhanced speed of deployment and debugging, as well as script efficiency. Ruby has a range of frameworks and libraries that eliminates the need for writing every basic functionality from scratch.

Why is Ruby Useful?

• Ruby simplifies complicated code changes. If you are looking to scale your processes, Ruby would be the best bet. It also focuses on writing clean and readable code.
• Applications created with Ruby are highly secure, which is mostly why it is one of the best back end programming languages for agile software development.
• Developing and configuring solutions on Ruby is a lot easier for programmers as it is able to run multiple programs in parallel.

Who Uses Ruby?

• Shopify
• SlideShare
• GitHub
• Bloomberg
• Fiverr

#9 Choice of Backend Technologies: Rust

Compared to all the veteran programming languages in our best backend languages checklist, Rust is a newcomer. It was first introduced in 2010 and soon gained considerable recognition due to its safety and performance. According to Stack Overflow’s 2020 survey, Rust has been the most loved programming language since 2016.

Why is Rust Useful?

• Rust has an effective built-in library/dependency manager called Cargo. It helps developers seamlessly write and manage code.
• Because of the huge investment in its future development made by large companies, Rust has an eager community growing with the most professional software developers around the world.
• The primary objective behind the creation of this backend language is quality performance. When it comes to speed, you can compare it with C++/C but Rust offers better safety.

Who Uses Rust?

• Dropbox
• Facebook
• Amazon
• Microsoft
• Discord

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The Ball is in Your Court NowSo, you have got a project idea you want to build. You’re pretty sure you have figured out the backend technologies you need to utilize to create the product. But wait! Finding backend developers that have the expertise, knowledge, and skills for your business requirements is proving nigh-on impossible.With over 25 years of extensive experience working for global companies, we offer comprehensive backend development services. Check out our backend development services – the proof is in the pudding, after all.Interested in exploring more about what we do and what we are about? Reach out to us today – we would love to geek out over your project vision and come up with the best possible solution to help further!